The Union Cabinet recently approved the setting up of National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) in Mumbai.The setting up of NCoE was announced in the Budget 2022-23, which proposed the formation of an AVGC task force in the country.India’s animation sector is witnessing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for films, visual effects (VFX), gaming animation, and engaging mobile content.According to the FICCI-EY 2024 report, India now holds the second-largest anime fan base globally and is projected to contribute 60% of the worldwide growth of interest in anime in the coming years.
Background of NCoE
- NCoE will be set up as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013 in India, with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) partnering with the Government of India as industry bodies.
- The establishment of NCoE was announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Budget 2022-23, proposing to create an AVGC task force in the country.
- The aim of NCoE AVGC is to create world-class talent for the Indian and global entertainment industry in India.
- Tentatively named the Indian Institute of Immersive Creators (IIIC), the centre is set to revolutionise the AVGC sector and promote innovation in immersive technology.
- The centre will be modelled on the lines of prestigious institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
Objective of NCoE
- India’s animation sector is growing rapidly, with demand rising steadily across films, visual effects (VFX), gaming animation, and mobile content.
- This growth presents new opportunities for skilled and passionate animators. With a growth rate of 25% and a valuation of ₹46 billion by 2023, the animation industry in India is thriving and offers a bright future for young talent.
- With rapid advancements in technology, growing internet penetration across the country, and the cheapest data rates in the world, the global usage of AVGC-XR is expected to grow exponentially.
- In this situation, the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) will open doors to new possibilities.
Some of the key objectives of NCoE (IIIC) are
- Creation of Indian IP (Intellectual Property)
- Leveraging cultural heritage in new generation technologies
- Creating a multiplier effect in the industry
- An industry-led initiative in partnership with the state and academia
- Holistic focus on education, skilling, industry development and innovation
- IIIC will develop as a hub and its multiple hubs as sub-branches
- Establishment of a dedicated innovation and research fund to boost the startup ecosystem
Key points about NCoE
- Films like RRR, Baahubali, The Lion King and Avatar have showcased the immense potential of animation and immersive technology. India’s animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector is poised for rapid growth, with a plethora of employment and innovation opportunities.
- Immersive technologies create real-life, interactive experiences, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and 3D modelling and animation.
- NCoE is your gateway to mastering immersive technologies. The centre will provide state-of-the-art training and integrate India’s rich cultural heritage with modern technology, shaping the future of the country’s digital creative economy.
- Towards creating an estimated 5,00,000 jobs, NCoE is modelled on premier institutions such as IITs and IIMs. The centre will provide world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and specialised skills.
- Students will gain practical experience and become job-ready through industry-driven courses.
- NCoE will promote innovation and research through partnerships between the central and state governments, academic institutions and industry.